Magnesium Excretion in Recurrent Calcium Urolithiasis

Abstract

The rationale for using magnesium in the treatment of recurrent calcium stone formers is largely based on evidence from in vitro studies. Firstly, magnesium increases the solubility of calcium oxalate by forming a soluble complex with oxalate. Secondly, it inhibits the precipitation of calcium phosphate crystals1, although it only has a limited inhibitory effect on the crystal growth of calcium oxalate2. The efficacy of magnesium treatment has been assessed in calcium stone formers3,4. Current opinion favours the view that magnesium significantly reduces stone recurrence in renal calcium stone formers but a few authors remain convinced that it has only a “placebo-effect” on patients with stones5. in search of the reason for the beneficial effect of magnesium therapy, we have measured magnesium excretion in patients with recurrent calcium urolithiasis to check for hypomagnesiuria.